Frugal Fitness: 9 Easy Ways To Keep in Shape and Spend Less With Apps, Podcasts, and Videos

Staying in shape is often easier said than done. Since we’ve all got a lot on our plates these days, finding the time and, indeed, the money to keep fit is often a trial. If you’re on a budget right now, the very last thing you want to do is spend your cash on a hefty gym membership. Here are some other ways you can reach your health goals without spending a single cent.

Free Fitness Apps

Johnson & Johnson Official 7 Minute Workout

Image: Johnson & Johnson Official 7 Minute Workout

One of the biggest things that holds people back when it comes to fitness is time. It’s the one entity that we all wish we had more of. If you’re a hyper busy person, here’s an app that might just help you. As the name suggests ‘Seven’ takes just seven minutes to use and it’s super easy. All you have to do is download it, press ‘start workout’, and get going. The routine has a little of everything from cardio to core exercises at just 30 seconds a time with intervals.

Spotify Running

Image: Spotify Running

Of course, one of the most effective ways to get your cardio kick is by heading out for a good old-fashioned run. You may not realize it but the music you listen to really does affect your levels of motivation. In short, having one of your fave tunes on while you workout, might just make all the difference. That’s where Spotify Running comes into play. The app tailors your music to your movement, which means that the beat is in sync with you!

MyFitnessPal

Image: My Fitness Pal

Staying on track when it comes to your fitness goals can often be particularly tricky. Worry not because MyFitnessPal is here to help. The free to use app helps you monitor how much you eat, how much water you drink, and what exercise you do. Sometimes, the simple act of noting these things down is all it takes. If you’ve struggled in the past, it may well be worth giving this one a go.

Healthy Lifestyle Podcasts

The Nutrition Diva Quick and Dirty Tips

Image: The Nutrition Diva / Stitcher

We all know that we should eat ‘cleaner’ but few of us understand what that actually means! Luckily for you, nutritionist Monica Reinagel might just have the answers you need. In her podcast, she dispels myths about ‘healthy’ food and helps you to finally understand what you should be cooking on a daily basis. Genius.

Radio Headspace

Image: Radio Headspace via Stitcher

Meditation is often touted as one of the best ways to stay mentally healthy. If you’re ready to give it a go for yourself, Radio Headspace may just be the answer. Podcast host, Georgie Okell, will take you through an easy guide to this workout form. Subjects covered include kindness, fear, and stress. Once you start listening to this one, you’ll never be able to put it down.

Half-Size Me

Image: Half Size Me via Stitcher

Weight loss can be tricky at the best of times. That’s something that podcast host, Heather Robison, knows first hand. Over a five-year period, this incredible woman managed to lose a massive 170 pounds; quite the transformation. Now she’s here to help you. Half-Size Me is a podcast offering tips and tricks to help you shed some pounds too.

YouTube Channels – Workout Videos

Blogiates — POP Pilates

Image: Blogilates / POP Pilates via YouTube

When you press that ‘play’ button, you don’t just want to get fit; you want to be entertained too. The YouTube channel is hosted by the ever-charismatic and chirpy Cassey Ho. All you need to take part is a yoga mat, a computer, and a whole load of energy. Whether it’s attacking those abs or burning some fat, Ho will take you through the steps in a quick and easy way. What’s more, you can choose your fitness level and the style of workout as you go!

Women’s Health

Image: Women’s Health via YouTube

For those days when you simply don’t have much time to spare, there’s only one thing for it. A quick and snappy workout video could be just the thing to get your heartrate up and your blood pumping. The Women’s Health workout videos take just five minutes, which means that you can easily fit them around any hectic schedule. There’s a whole load of aerobic routines that you may just love so they are really worth trying for yourself.

Yoga with Adriene

Image: Yoga With Adriene via YouTube

We all know that yoga is good for us, and yet few of us actually bother to try it. If this type of workout has been on your ‘to do’ list for way too long, tune in to Yoga with Adriene. The channel has an easy introduction to the art of yoga, which means that you can master it in your very own home in no time at all. All you need to do is commit to a measly 30 minutes of exercise per day to start your journey to a healthier you.

Featured image via royalty-free stock photo

{Editor’s Note: This blog post is not sponsored by or affiliated with any of the brands or businesses mentioned in this post.}